The cuisine in New Zealand is very seasonal and relies heavily on local produce. As the islands are very agricultural there is a wide variety of fresh foods always available. The influences are largely British although there are Asian influences creeping in and takeaways are becoming more popular.

New Zealand is an island nation with its waters containing a large variety of fish and seafood. Despite this, until recently shellfish hasn't played an important part in the diet of New Zealanders. The consumption of fish has traditionally been low as meat has been the main preference for meals. Having said this, fish and seafood has always been significant in the Maori diet and you will notice that the names of many of them are still used today in Maori.

New Zealand is typically an informal place so pack casually for comfort.

Famous for having four seasons in one day; our advice if you are traveling even in the summer is to pack a light jacket or pashmina shawl just in case the weather turns cooler or if you're visiting higher altitudes. You can also expect some rain, so include a light raincoat.

Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants and night-spots.

New Zealand is renowned for its outdoor activities, so make sure you take swimming gear, hiking shoes, trekking pants/shorts, sunhat and sunglasses, as well as plenty of sunscreen

If you plan to do much walking then lightweight walking shoes or sneakers are fine.

Electrical sockets in New Zealand are Type I (AS/NZS 3112). If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it's crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all types.

Electrical sockets in New Zealand usually supply electricity at230 volts AC / 50 Hz frequency. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 230 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliance isn’t compatible with 230 volts, a voltage converter will be necessary.

Currency

The currency of New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD; symbol: NZ$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of NZ$100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of NZ$2 and 1, and 50, 20 and 10 cents.

Please note that In November 2006, the New Zealand Reserve Bank introduced new, smaller 50-, 20- and 10-cent coins. The old 5-cent coin has been phased out. Old coins can only be exchanged at the Reserve Bank.

There are no restrictions on the import and export of either local or foreign currency, subject to declarations for cash amounts of NZ$10,000 upon departure or arrival.

Banking

Banking Hours: Monday to Friday 9h30 to 4h30. Some banks are open on a Saturday until 12h30

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted.

Automated Teller Machines (ATM) are widely available at banks, along main shopping streets and in malls.

International credit cards and ATM cards will work as long as they have a four-digit PIN encoded. Check with your bank before leaving home.

Travellers' cheques can be exchanged at official rates at trading banks, large hotels and some shops. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars, Euro, Pounds Sterling or Australian Dollars. American Express, Visa and Thomas Cook cheques are the most frequently accepted.